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The legacy of Tommy Heinsohn

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    We just witnessed a season of Celtics basketball that didn't go as expected, given such high hopes. We were left with the loss of Mr Celtic, Tommy Heinsohn, the guy who was part of in some way, shape or form of all 17 titles. What a major loss for the Celtics organization and the fans who would choose the hometown broadcast over any national broadcast to get to listen to our beloved Tommy. 

     His legacy was not only as a player, but a coach and broadcaster, and some may say like an Uncle to all Celtics fans. As a player he was ROY in 1957, the same year Bill Russell came into the League. He made six all star games  and won 8 - yes 8 - titles! He had his number 15 raised to the rafters at the Boston Garden! What's amazing is as a rookie in game-7 he played a major role in the Celtics securing the championship that year. He is in the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player.

     As a coach he won two NBA titles leading the Celtics in 1974 and 1976 to glory. He was Coach of the Year in 1973 and received the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009. His teams were no-nonsense and hard-working, players who definitely were cast in his likeness. He was inducted as a coach into the Basketball Hall of Fame. 

     In 1981 he joined Mike Gorman as the Celtics color commentator and we can all say Celtics games would never be the same. His passion and love for the Celtics was evident and honestly he was sometimes the best part of the game. Who on any Celtic team didn't want to earn a Tommy Point? The Holy Cross product had a true knack of getting on those officials who definitely didn't see green and white like Tommy did. Tommy needs to be inducted into the Hall as a broadcaster. 

     What an amazing career on the court for Tommy. He gave Celtics fans a lifetime of memories, whether as a player, coach or broadcaster. We can all say if he were around during this mediocre season at least he would have been a bright spot for Boston fans. There were times I'm sure we all heard him saying "that's a Tommy Point" or "that call was bogus"! Here's hoping Tommy can eventually see banner 18 but from just a higher vantage point! 

 

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